Talkback Thursday: Is this burgeoning demand for international schools a reaction against the standards of the Malaysian public education system?

The government has been encouraging the growth of international schools in Malaysia, which have been increasing each year. Education, one of the National Key Economic Areas under the Economic Transfer Programme, has listed scaling of international schools as one of its Entry Point Projects. To date there are 91 international schools currently in operation, with a marked increase of students over the years and it is estimated that by 2020, it will help contribute to a GNI of RM2.6 billion. While the support has been great, and the benefits rewarding, where does that leave the majority of Malaysian students whose only option is our public school? With about 10,000 public schools throughout the country, will we see these schools’ syllabus and curriculum come close to the standard of international schools? How much is being done to support the current public schools’ education system?